Following another's footsteps, she left some big shoes to fill.

Dawn HarperClass of 2006

Olympic hurdles champion Dawn Harper was born just a few months before the 1984 Summer Olympics, when Jackie Joyner-Kersee ‘86 won her first Olympic medal. Like Joyner-Kersee, Harper grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. As a youngster Harper aspired to attend UCLA, in part because it was where Joyner-Kersee had launched her legendary career. When Harper was recruited to UCLA by Coach Jeanette Bolden, one dream had come true, and others were within her grasp. Soon, she was claiming 100-meter hurdles titles at the U.S. junior national championships and the Pan-American Games. In 2008, only months after knee surgery, Harper earned an Olympic gold medal of her own. Four years later, and after another knee surgery, Harper pulled out an impressive repeat performance at the London Games, running her fastest-ever 100-meter hurdles to claim an Olympic silver medal.

Olympic hurdles champion Dawn Harper was born just a few months before the 1984 Summer Olympics, when Jackie Joyner-Kersee ‘86 won her first Olympic medal. Like Joyner-Kersee, Harper grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. As a youngster Harper aspired to attend UCLA, in part because it was where Joyner-Kersee had launched her legendary career. When Harper was recruited to UCLA by Coach Jeanette Bolden, one dream had come true, and others were within her grasp. Soon, she was claiming 100-meter hurdles titles at the U.S. junior national championships and the Pan-American Games. In 2008, only months after knee surgery, Harper earned an Olympic gold medal of her own. Four years later, and after another knee surgery, Harper pulled out an impressive repeat performance at the London Games, running her fastest-ever 100-meter hurdles to claim an Olympic silver medal.

How will you blaze your own trail?

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING

Please tell us a little more about you!

If you are a Bruin:

We value your privacy. UCLA will not share your information with any outside or third parties.

THANK YOU!

You have been added to our monthly Newsletter

We value your privacy. UCLA will not share your information with any outside or third parties.